Haute Cakes

poached egg with pesto

egg white omelette

Saeyoung and I love this small restaurant in Newport Beach.   The food tends to be healthy and clean tasting.  After Saeyoung's morning workout and my newly adopted practice of morning writing, we treated ourselves to Haute Cakes.  Yes, the crowd is very...Newport...think rich ladies wearing pink tracksuit, uggs, and inexplicable amounts of jewelry.  

Some all time favorites are:

1. brie, tomato, and pesto sandwich

2. orange ricotta pancakes

3. pierre's scramble (goat cheese, asparagus, eggs)

4. the watermelon lemonade that i haven't tried yet because they always run out but i'm sure that if i did try it, i would love it

Barbecue Salmon Sandwich

Leftovers can be exciting.

Ondal 2

I guess it could be considered unusual that i don't feel a special connection to korean food.  but then i think, "hey, why should i?  there's no rule that says i have to be genetically pre-disposed to love korean food."  so, yeah...my attitude about korean food is: I'll enjoy what's put in front of me but I'll rarely crave it.  

That being said, I might crave Ondal from time to time.  Ondal specializes in a communal crabstew.  Once the crab has been eaten, they use the broth to cook sujaebi (thick, hand stretched noodles) and then to make fried rice.  If you ask me, it's a pretty great way to use and re-use the same broth.  

And also, we had to wear aprons.  

Ondal 2

4566 W Washington Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90016

(323)933-3228

Squid Ink Pasta and Balsamic Glazed Cipolline Onions

The first time I had squid ink pasta was in Seoul about four years ago and ever since then I haven't found another squid ink pasta that has matched it.  I think in Seoul they even put squid ink in the sauce.  I found a dried squid ink pasta at the Silverlake Cheese Store the other day ($11.99--a little pricey).  A little fresh parsley, parmesan reggiano, red pepper, thyme, and olive oil was all it really needed. The squid ink wasn't as pronounced in the taste as I would have liked, maybe its the brand.  More than the pasta, I think I was enamored with the balsamic glazed onions with thyme.

Simple Squid Ink Pasta:

squid ink pasta

a handful of fresh chopped parsley

dried red pepper flakes

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 sprigs of thyme

1 tablespoon minced garlic

handful of parmesan reggiano cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1. cook the pasta in heavily salted water, al dente

2. drain the pasta 

3. add garlic and olive oil into a large fry pan

4. add thyme 

5. add pasta and red pepper flakes

6.  salt and pepper to taste

7. plate and add parsley and cheese

Je T'aime

Valentine's Dinner with lovely friends.

On the menu:

1. personal pizzas

2. caprese

3. roasted rosemary fingerling potatoes

3. beaujolais wine

Jam Love

I've developed a deep love for making homemade jams.

On the menu for my first try:

1. strawberry with pomegranate wine

2. strawberry, mint, and black pepper

3. apple, honey, and almond. 

Oleana, Boston

baked alaska with coconut ice cream and passionfruit sauce

seared tuna (saeyoung orders seared tuna every time it appears on a menu)

duck with vermicelli noodles

can't remember, but it looks good

tabouli, hummus, and cheese

the fanciest falafel ever

carrot soup and fried goat cheese

Thank you for this incredible meal Saeyoung!  Ugh, I would brave Boston cold for this again.